Delta just sent out an email that will, in their words, “give you a more exclusive experience.” Which is to say, you’re not going to be happy.

Effective immediately, membership price for Sky Club is $695 annually. They’re calling this “Executive Membership” and will continue to allow two complimentary guests.

- For those customers who rarely need guest access, an Individual Membership at the current rate of $450 will be introduced Spring 2014. This membership will allow guest access for $29 per visit.

- Beginning May 1, 2014, all customers who receive complimentary Delta Sky Club access as a benefit of their eligible credit or charge card will no longer receive complimentary guest access. A $29 fee per guest will apply.

That last one means that Amex Platinum holders will now pay $29 to access the Delta club. (EDITORS NOTE: THAT’S WRONG – I MISREAD THE EMAIL. AMEX PLATINUM HOLDERS STILL GET ACCESS, BUT IT’LL COST $29 TO BRING A GUEST.

If you’re currently a Club member, they’ll give you “Executive Membership” until your current membership is up.

I think Delta sums it up best when they write in the email: “We hope these changes will provide a more comfortable and productive experience for customers like you.”

Thanks for the heads up. I upgraded my AmEx Gold to Platinum right before all the lounge access announcements (AA, US) were made and now this is the last straw. I’ll definitely be closing the account as soon as the benefits are withdrawn in March.

Wow. I guess if your employer is paying the tab you won’t care much, but how many people would fork over $695 for annual access to a DL Sky Club? The odd trend of the past decade at USA airport is for general waiting areas to get nicer (lots of free wifi, better seating/plugs, better dining/drinking options), while the airline lounges have gotten worse (more crowded, worse food and drink). This is, of course, very different, from the int’l airport scene, where airline lounges tend to be very nice and often worthwhile. While I often get into USA airport lounges for free, it is unimaginable that I would pay ANYTHING to use them. For $695, I could easily buy enough food/drink in airport restaurants to feed and water myself and my family for a year in far more comfort. I guess they figure most folks don’t realize this, or have somebody else to pick up their tab.